The day before a boating or fishing trip can be busy considering the amount of planning that is required, not just for the sake of boating but also to be able to boat safely. It is best to take full advantage of the time you spend on the water by being adequately prepared for a variety of external or internal challenges which can arise on the water or in the boat. It’s fairly easy to avoid bug bites, motion sickness, hungry kids and soggy shorts. Here are 5 essential things to prepare for a day of boating.

Boat registration. It is always important to keep this document on you. Always be sure to have your valid boat registration certificate along with you. It’s one of the most important boating essentials since it proves that you are following the state law regarding operation of the vessel. If you are ever stopped or signaled by a coast guard, this registration can make all the difference in making your trip run smoothly.

Cell phone or marine radio. Still following the protocol of safety and preparedness, it is important to also keep and maintain communication with the use of a cell phone or marine radio. Countless boaters who have experienced a wide range of issues in the waters have prevented the exacerbation of these events, by being able Always have a cell phone or marine radio on board in case of emergency. Know how to reach the marine patrol, police, and Coast Guard.

Cooler. It sometimes gets very hot out in the open seas before it gets cooler. You can keep your water, sodas, snacks and fish cold by bringing an airtight cooler along on the trip. Airtight coolers are also a great place to keep ice packs incase of injuries or sun burn.

Fire extinguisher. Most vessels sailing on US waters require a fire extinguisher to be installed on board. Following state mandates and safety precautions can be difference between a small fire and a large one. Safety first.

Many people think of visiting Florida as more of a winter thing. It’s an excellent place to go if you live in a state with a colder climate. Northeasterners, understandably, grow weary of the constant barrage of snow and ice, and come to Florida to remember what the warm sun feels like again. But don’t forget that Naples is also a great place to visit in summer. I found a website that listed a few reasons why this is the case, and thought I should share a few of them here.

Longer Days – While the weather is nice all year round, in the summer you get more daylight, which means more time to enjoy the beach and water activities, and to generally be outside in the sun.

Easier on the Wallet – Since the summer is not peak tourist season in Naples, hotel rates and other things will be less expensive. This also means that everything is generally less crowded, from the restaurants to the beaches to the streets, which means that an already incredibly relaxing place becomes even more serene.

Animal Life – In the summer, the area is teeming with sea life. It’s a great time to catch sight of dolphins and other fish – actually if you are fishing you should pretty easily be able to catch more than just a sight. Summer is also sea turtle nesting season, which is exciting for animal and lovers.

Summer Nights – Leave the hooded sweatshirt at home, because the summer nights in Naples are warm and balmy.